1998 Chrysler Neon review from North America
"As God is my witness, I will never buy another Chrysler product!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Vehicle drives itself at 20km, even up hill without my foot on the accelerator. I complained to dealer who said it was normal.
Brakes, rotors and CV joints had to be replaced within first 12 months.
Brakes and rotors replaced again within 36 months.
Now at 44 months brakes and rotors need to be replaced.
Windshield sealant failed and had to be repaired at 12 months.
Head gasket failed and was replaced at 24 months. But the repair was faulty (they'd left an oil hose disconnected, and I didn't get very far, especially with smoke pouring out of the engine.
At 44 months the right engine mounting bolt sheared off while driving. THE STEEL IN THIS BOLT IS DEFECTIVELY MANUFACTURED. Steel bolt is filled with air bubbles.
I advised Chrysler.
General comments?
Regarding the steel engine mounting bolt passenger side: after a 65 km tow, and two days in the shop, the dealer told me Chrysler would pay for the repairs if I surrendered the bolt.
He also charged me three times the quoted repair price.
When I went to drive home, there was such a loud clunking I stopped immediately.
Repair manager said he thought it always sounded like that.
Car now shudders, bangs like it has a dropped rod, especially when going uphill, and smells like burning oil.
I suspect a damaged hydraulic lifter.
Extended warranty does not cover defective engine bolts.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2L 16v Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 13500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chrysler Grand Voyager |
| Date of Entry | 27th May, 2003 |